My friend Kathy and I were going to Colorado Springs for holiday. The only problem was, I didn't have any luggage to pack my belongings in.

    My friend Debbie offered to lend me a suitcase that belonged to her father, who had passed away long ago. “I don't know if you'll want to use it,” she said so gently, “it's very old, worn out, and such an ugly yellow color." I was so touched by her offer to lend something that belonged to her father, but I was also concerned about the possibility of it being damaged or lost. She insisted that I take it. So with the suitcase safely in hand, I boarded the train with Kathy.

    We spent two days and one night on the train, sleeping in our seats. As we slept, we were awakened at times, by the noises of the train pulling in and out of the stations.

    The next morning we eagerly awaited the announcement: Next stop, Colorado Springs. But suddenly, there came another announcement over the loud speaker. “During one of the overnight stops, many pieces of luggage were mistakenly removed from the train and left at the wrong location.”

    Kathy and I just looked at each other, as I felt the disappointment swell. Could my worst fear be coming true, was Debbie's suitcase lost?

    Just then two train conductors passed our seats. One of them jokingly said to the other, “Did you ever see such an old, ugly, brighter yellow, piece of luggage in all of your life?”

    Before the other conductor could answer, I screamed, “YES, MY SUITCASE MADE IT!”

    The two conductors stopped in their tracks! and, very red in the face, couldn't seem to apologize enough for having insulted my suitcase.

    When I returned it, I couldn't wait to get the suitcase back into Debbie's safe hands. She asked, “Did everything go well on the trip?” Somehow. I just couldn't resist telling her what had happened. She laughed heartily.

    When I recall the golden suitcase, Fm reminded, that like the suitcase, we can see ourselves as too old, useless, worn out, and of little value. Or, we can take a closer look and realize that we are one of God's most valued creations -- unique, and holding inside our most valuable possessions -- that of love, faith, hope, and wisdom.

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Holidays

    Welcome to our school. You can do a lot of things here. Come and join us.

    One night, Pilar was in a deep sleep when she was woken by her cat Inti. Inti was meowing wildly outside Pilar's bedroom and throwing himself against the closed bedroom door. When Pilar opened her eyes, she saw that her bedroom was filled with smoke. As she escaped her house with Inti in her arms, she saw that a fire was burning in her kitchen. Pilar could easily have lost her life, but Inti would not let that happen. Even though Inti could have escaped the house through a cat door, he wouldn't leave Pilar.

    As amazing as this story is, it is not as uncommon as you may think. Take the example of Charlotte Lee and her horse, Thunder. One summer night, the whole family was asleep with the windows open. It was normally very quiet where they lived. Suddenly, there was a loud noise. Charlotte woke up from her sweet dream, and the noise continued. Then she heard a horse running fast towards the house. The next thing she saw was Thunder standing outside her window, neighing(嘶叫) and shaking his head. She knew something was wrong. Charlotte quickly got everyone out of the house before the earthquake hit. Thunder has saved her life.

    There are also stories of wild animals coming to the rescue of humans. One animal known to be a friend of humans is the dolphin. Once, Todd Endris was surfing with his friends when he was attacked by a 13-foot(4-meter) shark. In the middle of the attack, a group of dolphins came to his rescue by forming a protective ring around Endris until he could get safely to shore. Without the help of the dolphins, there is little chance that Todd could have escaped.

    No one is sure why animals have so often come to our rescue. However, it is clear that humans and animals enjoy a close relationship. It is important that we care for them as much as we can.

The Magic Tour in London

    Discover the magic of the Harry Potter movies on this l-day walking and studio tour in London.

    Highlights:

    Comprehensive tour by coach

    Exploring the local streets on a walking tour of the city

    A11 entrance fees included

    Informative, friendly and professional guide

    Meet your guide in Leicester Square and set off through the city streets on foot. Visit filming locations used in the Harry Potter movies, including ancient bridges over the Thames River and Kings Cross Station.

    Afterwards, take a seat in your air-conditioned coach for the drive to Leavesden, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look into the world of cinemas on a Warner Bros. Studio tour. At approximately 4 pm, you will be given entry to Warner Bros. Studio for free to explore The Making of Harry Potter at your own pace. You'll have 3 hours to explore the sets, costumes and props (道具) that were used in the eight movies based on J. K. Rowling's book series.

    When your studio sightseeing trip comes to an end, meet your coach outside the studio for the return journey to central London.

    Please note: The order of this tour is subject to change, and it will be confirmed on your e-ticket. Please ensure you provide a telephone number or an email address.

    Schedule details: Select a month to view a day of availability on the Internet

    Departure Point: Leicester Square, London

    Departure Time: 11 am and time is subject to change due to local traffic condition

    Return Details: Returning at approximately 8～9 pm into Kings Cross station

    Duration: 1 day

    A popular TV host has reportedly invested about US ＄740,000 in a project to research, preserve and promote the Hunan provincial dialect (方言). Chinese TV presenters are required to speak Mandarin, or Putonghua, as part of their work, but should dialects be allowed on air?

    Bcnu (China): TV and radio stations have the right to decide whether dialects or Mandarin will be used in their programs. The popularity of some dialects in some areas will not challenge the leading role of Mandarin in the whole country.

    Rick N (US): TV and radio broadcasters should take the lead in popularizing Mandarin. To require hosts to speak standard Mandarin is not to oppress (压制) dialects, but it only aims to restrict irresponsible use of language. I think it is unprofessional for some hosts particularly to imitate the pronunciation of dialects.

    Cooper (UK): Dialects are an important part of local culture and now many kids even don't know how to speak their dialects because of the main use of Mandarin around them. It would be a pity if future generations were unable to understand the local dialects. It would be a terrible break in cultural traditions.

    Steve (France): To attract viewers or make more money, some hosts casually use dialects. Demanding TV and radio programs use Mandarin is a move to limit strange and irresponsible use of language, whether it is Mandarin or other dialects. In this way, the decision is also a form of protection for dialects. Hearing standard Mandarin on TV and radio programs is also a basic right of audiences around the country.